PRINT: Rock Climb What a Woman, San Bernardino Mountains

What a Woman

5.9, Sport, Alpine, 60 ft (18 m),

Avg: 2.3 from 46 votes
FA: Bob Cockell, 1992
California > San Bernardino… > Big Bear Lake Area > Big Bear North > Big Bear City Area > Holcomb Valley… > Central Pinnacles > Wilbur's Tombstone

Access Issue: Road Closure in Effect Details

SR 38
[IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA]
Is closed from 0.2 mi east of Angelus Oaks /at Mill Creek Rd/ to 4.6 mi east of Angelus Oaks /at Hill Ranch Rd/ (San Bernardino Co) - Due to mudslide - Motorists are advised to use an alternate route

Description

Start by making committed friction moves; working up and left to a bolt on the small roof above. Crank the roof and rocker up (the crux), passing a horizontal crack (Camelot #2 optional). Continue above, passing three more bolts while climbing a steep friction face with fun slopers and dishes. The finish of the route passes a small roof and on up to a two bolt anchor with chains.

Location

This route is located on the east face of Wilbur's Tombstone, 10 feet left of Pumped Up Woman (5.8).

Protection

Optional #2 Camelot

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Me leading what a woman...slabby slabby slabby!!! This route will prove your footwork

Sure is! (view is from right side trail)

What a Woman (5.9), Holcomb Valley Pinnacles

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Dave Daly
Kernville, CA

5.9+

My personal view of the route: it definitely deserves AT LEAST 2-stars for a rating! This route kept me entertained and felt more sustained than the routes to the right (Pumped Up Woman and Rap Bolters Will be Pursecuted). There were no dirty/chossy sections and the crux was more committing than most (with a slight deck potential). Having compared the crux to a host of others with that rating and with what the book rates it, I would have to say it is at least 5.9+. Apr 30, 2007

Euan Cameron
Mammoth Lakes, CA

5.9

Fun moves over the crux overlap. May 26, 2008

Chris Owen
Big Bear Lake

5.9

The opening moves are dicey and unprotected, good place to get a twisted ankle. I like the steep slab in the middle section. Sep 6, 2010

Brandon Matthes

5.10- PG13

If you are worried about the big runout between bolt 1 and 2, don't! After the crux at the first bolt you are on a massive ledge that you can easily clip from before continuing the climb.
Me and my buddy both agreed this is a terribly under rated route, that deserves some attention!! *** May 6, 2013

Matt Himmelstein
Orange, CA

If you don't have trad gear, you can lead this then set up a TR for the other two routes on the wall.

This one feels committed going past the 1sty bolt. There is a second crux section a bit higher, but by then you are decently protected. Jun 6, 2016